The 30-Second Verdict
Hurricane shutters are far superior to plywood — they qualify for insurance discounts, require no labor before each storm, and provide significantly better protection. Plywood is a last-resort option, not a comparable alternative.
Head-to-Head Breakdown
Hurricane Shutters
Pros
- Qualifies for Florida wind mitigation insurance discounts ($500–$2,000/year)
- Ready to deploy in minutes — no hardware store runs before storms
- Meets Miami-Dade NOA standards for tested wind protection
- Multiple options: accordion (most convenient), roll-down (automated), panel
- Permanent investment that adds to home value
- Available for all opening types including doors and skylights
Cons
- High upfront cost — $10,000–$25,000 for whole-house protection
- Accordion and roll-down shutters require professional installation
- Panel shutters require physical installation before each storm
- Reduces natural light when deployed
- Requires maintenance — lubrication, cleaning, and occasional repair
Plywood Boarding
Pros
- Very low material cost — plywood runs $20–$50 per sheet
- Available at hardware stores (though often sold out pre-storm)
- Can be stored flat in garage between uses
Cons
- Does NOT qualify for insurance discounts
- Labor-intensive — requires cutting, drilling, and hanging before every storm
- Hardware stores often run out of plywood before major storms
- Does NOT meet Florida Building Code as an approved opening protection
- Degrades with each use — warps, splits, and loses effectiveness
- Offers no protection against flying debris penetrating the wood itself
- Disposal challenge after each use
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Hurricane Shutters | Plywood Boarding | |
|---|---|---|
| Factor | Hurricane Shutters | Plywood |
| Insurance discount | Yes ($500–$2,000/yr) | No |
| Upfront cost (whole house) | $10,000–$25,000 | $500–$2,000 materials + labor |
| Storm prep time | 15–60 minutes | 4–12+ hours |
| FL Building Code compliant | Yes (approved products) | No |
| Repeated use | Indefinite | Degrades after 1–3 uses |
| Payback via insurance | 5–15 years | Never |
| Debris protection | Tested/rated | Untested/unrated |
| Availability pre-storm | Always ready | Often sold out |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does plywood qualify for Florida homeowner's insurance discounts?
No. Florida's wind mitigation credit program only credits opening protection that meets specific standards, including Miami-Dade or Florida Product Approval certifications. Plywood does not meet these standards and provides no insurance benefit. Only approved shutters (accordion, roll-down, panel/Bahama) and impact-resistant windows/doors qualify.
What type of hurricane shutters are most popular in Florida?
Accordion shutters are the most popular choice in Florida — they fold neatly to the sides of windows and deploy quickly without tools. Roll-down (motorized) shutters are preferred for large openings and luxury homes. Panel shutters (corrugated aluminum or steel) are the most affordable approved option and popular for secondary homes or budget-conscious buyers. Bahama shutters (decorative) are popular in coastal areas where aesthetics matter.
Are hurricane shutters required by Florida law?
Not required for existing homes. However, Florida Building Code requires all new construction and major additions to include approved opening protection. Many Florida HOAs require that all opening protection be approved (not plywood) and some require specific shutter types for aesthetic uniformity. Post-hurricane Ian (2022), there's growing momentum in some Florida counties toward requiring approved shutters on all homes.